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Breaking the Curtain

Breaking the Curtain

By Breaking the Curtain

The musical theatre podcast where two best friends interview their theatre idols and break down the history behind all of your favourite musicals!

Breaking the Curtain is a podcast that features everything from Musical Theatre Show History episodes, Interviews with Broadway and West End creatives and the latest theatre news around the globe!
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Ep33 - Show History: BAT OUT OF HELL THE MUSICAL

Breaking the CurtainJun 23, 2021

00:00
37:36
Ep140 - Middle Noah with RYAN VASQUEZ (The Notebook)

Ep140 - Middle Noah with RYAN VASQUEZ (The Notebook)

We're joined by Broadway's Ryan Vasquez, who is currently starring as Middle Noah in The Notebook!

Ryan chats with us about portraying the role of Noah alongside John Cardoza (Younger Noah) and Dorian Harewood (Older Noah), his first time seeing the film, Ingrid Michaelson's gorgeous score, the iconic rain scene and the Broadway Community.

Mar 27, 202435:21
Ep139 - Breaking Down the 2023/2024 Broadway Season

Ep139 - Breaking Down the 2023/2024 Broadway Season

Join us as we chat about our excitement surrounding the 2023/2024 Broadway season!

This season is stacked with book-to-stage adaptations, original musicals, bio-musicals, jukebox musicals and revivals!

We're sharing our honest opinions ahead of award season, and don't forget – we're diving into your responses from our Instagram prompts, too!

Mar 24, 202436:22
Ep138 - The Sparkling Diamond COURTNEY REED

Ep138 - The Sparkling Diamond COURTNEY REED

On this episode of Breaking the Curtain, we're joined by Broadway's Sparkling Diamond, Courtney Reed! Courtney is currently starring in Moulin Rouge on Broadway as Satine after playing the role in the North American Touring Company.

We chat with Courtney about the gorgeous costumes she wears in the show, how her portrayal of Satine adjusts based on the actor playing Christian, the biggest difference between tour and Broadway, her stunning entrance in the show and so much more!

Mar 08, 202422:59
Ep137 - Slay All Day with DARCY STEWART (SIX Toronto)

Ep137 - Slay All Day with DARCY STEWART (SIX Toronto)

Hey Queens! On this episode of Breaking the Curtain, we chat with the incredible 'Standby Slayer' Darcy Stewart from SIX The Musical in Toronto! Darcy spills the royal-tea on slaying as Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn and Anna of Cleves.

We chat about the unique process that goes into stepping into multiple roles, her favorite moments playing each queen and the time she had to improv the closing number as Cleves!

Mar 04, 202427:24
Ep136 - Covers, Concerts and Other Details with LAUREN PATTEN
Mar 01, 202419:50
Ep135 - Show History: THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY

Ep135 - Show History: THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY

Dive into the romantic world of The Bridges of Madison County in this special Valentine's episode!

We dive into the history of the original novel by Robert James Waller to the iconic film, the road to the Broadway stage and beyond.

We shine our spotlight on the incredible performances of Kelli O'Hara and Steven Pasquale, who brought these characters to life on stage with their undeniable chemistry and the score by Jason Robert Brown that has made our hearts soar for the last ten years!

Feb 18, 202440:46
Ep134 - A Sign of the Times with CHILINA KENNEDY

Ep134 - A Sign of the Times with CHILINA KENNEDY

Guess who's back?

We're joined by one of our favourite performers Chilina Kennedy for a return interview on Breaking the Curtain! Chilina chats all about starring as Cindy in the new musical A Sign of the Times coming to New World Stages this February!

Set in the Summer of 1965. With the country in transition – as the war in Vietnam rages on and struggles for civil rights and women’s liberation command headlines – one aspirational young woman finds herself in New York City, and ready to dive into this brave new world. In A Sign of the Times, journey back to America’s most unforgettable decade as a young photographer tries to make her way amid the changing times that defined an era. A totally original story with such classic songs as “Downtown,” “Gimme Some Lovin’,” “Rescue Me,” and “I Know A Place,” plus dozens more.

Chilina Kennedy most recently played Billie Jean King in Love All by Anna Deavere Smith. Broadway: Paradise SquareBeautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Film/TV: “The 2015 Kennedy Center Honors,” With Me. Other: The Band’s Visit (International Tour), This Ain’t No Disco (Atlantic Theater Company), Mamma Mia! (1st National Tour), A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And Murder. Chilina is the composer of the new musicals Wild About You and Silk, and is Artistic Producer of Eclipse Theatre Company. chilinakennedy.com

Jan 31, 202420:28
Ep133 - Beheaded Besties with ELYSIA CRUZ & JULIA PULO (SIX)

Ep133 - Beheaded Besties with ELYSIA CRUZ & JULIA PULO (SIX)

Hi Queens! We're joined by Elysia Cruz and Julia Pulo who currently star as Katherine Howard and Anne Boleyn in the Toronto production of SIX running now through March 31st, 2024 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre!

Elysia and Julia chat with us about their research process into the wives of Henry VIII, special memories with the Queendom, the ghost at the Royal Alexandra Theatre and so much more!

Jan 27, 202437:17
Ep132 - Go Into Your Dance with NICOLE-LILY BAISDEN (42nd Street)

Ep132 - Go Into Your Dance with NICOLE-LILY BAISDEN (42nd Street)

We are so 'tappy' to speak with Nicole-Lily Baisden, who is starring as Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street!


We speak with Nicole about her love of theatre, Peggy’s infectious optimism, and of course, ICE BATHS.


Fresh off the bus from small-town America, young and beautiful Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City dreaming of her name in lights. She quickly catches the eye of a big-time director and lands a spot in the chorus line of Broadway’s newest show… and when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy gets her shot at stardom.


This dazzling new production is onstage in Toronto through January 21st!

Dec 23, 202316:27
Ep131 - Show History: ALMOST FAMOUS THE MUSICAL

Ep131 - Show History: ALMOST FAMOUS THE MUSICAL

We're breaking down the history behind Almost Famous: The Musical, from the real story that inspired the film to the opening night on Broadway and beyond. We'll discuss the incredible cast, the abrupt Broadway closure, the latest developments, and some changes made to the show within the latest workshop. We also question what happened to the changed purple poster design and so much more!

Dec 21, 202335:15
Ep130 - Building Momentum with LIAM PEARCE (How to Dance in Ohio)

Ep130 - Building Momentum with LIAM PEARCE (How to Dance in Ohio)

We are delighted to chat with Liam Pearce who stars as Drew in the groundbreaking Broadway musical: How to Dance in Ohio!


We speak with Liam about making his Broadway debut in this incredible new musical, the audience response at the stage door and online, meeting the real-life Drew, opening night and so much more insight about the show!


Based on the award-winning HBO documentary, How to Dance in Ohio is a heart-filled new musical exploring the need to connect and the courage it takes to step out into the world. At a group counseling center in Columbus, Ohio, seven autistic young adults prepare for a spring formal dance—a rite of passage that breaks open their routines and sets off hilarious and heartbreaking encounters with love, stress, excitement, and independence.

Dec 13, 202325:59
Ep129 - Silly Love Songs with TANISHA SPRING & DOM SIMPSON (Moulin Rouge!)
Dec 06, 202325:07
Ep128 - Merrily We Chat with KATIE ROSE CLARKE (Merrily We Roll Along)

Ep128 - Merrily We Chat with KATIE ROSE CLARKE (Merrily We Roll Along)

We are delighted to be joined by Broadway's Katie Rose Clarke to chat all about Merrily We Roll Along!


Katie shares insight into playing Beth in the Broadway revival, the recent midnight surprise cast recording drop, reuniting on stage with Lindsay Mendez and so much more!


Katie Rose Clarke is an actress and singer who has starred in both the Broadway and National Tour productions of hit shows THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA and WICKED, and she was also featured in the Original Broadway Cast of ALLEGIANCE and in the revival of legendary musical MISS SAIGON. Katie is currently on Broadway in the revival of Merrily We Roll Along.

Nov 22, 202318:15
Ep127 - Millennials are Killing Musicals with NICO JUBER, KRISTOLYN LLOYD & DIANA HUEY
Nov 18, 202334:50
Ep126 - Bella's Journey with ALLISON SHEPPARD (Jagged Little Pill)

Ep126 - Bella's Journey with ALLISON SHEPPARD (Jagged Little Pill)

We're beyond thrilled to be joined by Allison Sheppard who plays Bella in the National Touring Production of Jagged Little Pill!

Allison chats with us about her audition journey, insight into her powerful character, loving Alanis Morissette, fan interactions at the stage door, her real-life friendship with Dillon Klena (Nick Healy) and so much more!

*Trigger warning: sexual assault

Nov 15, 202301:02:59
Ep125 - Standby Slayer with JULIA MCLELLAN (SIX)

Ep125 - Standby Slayer with JULIA MCLELLAN (SIX)

Listen up Queendom! We're joined by Julia McLellan who is currently in the Canadian company of SIX: The Musical as the alternate for Jane Seymour, Katherine Howard and Anne Boleyn.

Julia has performed on stages across North America, including three companies of the Tony award winning hit Kinky Boots The Musical-- on Broadway, the Broadway 1st National Tour, and the original Canadian cast. She has had the pleasure of leading shows on some of Canada’s most prestigious stages: starring as Val Clark in The Stratford Festival's A Chorus Line, as Persephone in the North American premiere of Mythic, in the original cast of Musical Stage Co.'s world premiere of Kelly v. Kelly, Doralee Rhodes in Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 at the Citadel theatre, and alternating the role of Dorothy Gale on the 1st National tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz

 

Her stage career intertwines with her climate activism, as she is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Green Alliance, the national not-for-profit dedicated to bridging the gap between theatre and sustainability.

Nov 10, 202319:28
Ep124 - Nerdy Prudes Must Love WILL BRANNER

Ep124 - Nerdy Prudes Must Love WILL BRANNER

We are beyond thrilled to be joined by one of our favourite performers, Will Branner!

Will is best known for appearing in the National Touring Productions of Mean Girls and Bat Out of Hell: The Musical as LeDoux. He recently made his Broadway debut in the ensemble of Back to the Future: The Musical and starred in the internet sensation: Nerdy Prudes Must Die as Max.

We chat with Will about the phone call he received with news of his Broadway Debut, the epic fan response to Nerdy Prudes Must Die, the sudden closure of the Bat Out of Hell US Tour and much more!

Nov 07, 202320:45
Ep123 - The Curse of the Marquis Theatre

Ep123 - The Curse of the Marquis Theatre

Do you believe Broadway's Marquis Theatre is cursed?

We dive deep into 'The Great Theatre Massacre of 1982', which brought down five theatres including the historic Morosco Theatre and the original Helen Hayes Theatre to make room for the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square.

Could a curse upon the location be the reason why many shows have been unsuccessful flops at the Marquis Theatre?

It's hard to ignore the eerie coincidence that many shows have struggled to find success at the Marquis Theatre. Some even say that the ghost of the Morosco Theatre haunts the location, seeking revenge for its demolition. Regardless of the reason, we discuss the flops and successful productions that once played at the Marquis including Cry-Baby, Nick and Nora, Evita, 9 to 5, Beetlejuice, Once Upon a One More Time and more!


Resources:

The New York Times

Wikipedia

Broadway World Message Board

YouTube

Nov 06, 202332:30
Ep122 - Large Parties with SAMANTHA PAULY (The Great Gatsby)
Nov 02, 202318:02
Ep121 - Meet The Plastics: MAYA PETROPOULOS, KRISTEN AMANDA SMITH & MARYROSE BRENDEL (Mean Girls)

Ep121 - Meet The Plastics: MAYA PETROPOULOS, KRISTEN AMANDA SMITH & MARYROSE BRENDEL (Mean Girls)

Meet The Plastics! We got to sit with Maya Petropoulos, Kristen Amanda Smith and MaryRose Brendel who play the iconic roles of Regina George, Gretchen Wieners and Karen Smith in the Touring Production of Mean Girls: The Musical to chat all about life on the road, their audition experiences, what they hope people take from seeing the show, their favorite costumes and so much more! It was so fetch!

Oct 25, 202340:05
Ep120 - In Dreams with LENA HALL

Ep120 - In Dreams with LENA HALL

Our dreams came true! We were beyond honoured to speak with Tony Award winner Lena Hall all about starring as Kenna in the new musical In Dreams now playing at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto.

In Dreams tells the story of Kenna - a country-rock singer who brings her old bandmates back together for "the party of a lifetime" while keeping her true motivations a secret. Set in a Mexican restaurant in New Mexico that specializes in tacos, margaritas, and memorial services, this unexpected and moving new musical explores our longing for love and connection - all through the iconic songs of Roy Orbison.

Lena Hall is a Tony Award winner and Grammy nominee. Lena received widespread critical acclaim for her performance of the title role in the feature film Becks, (winner of the U.S. Fiction Award at the L.A. Film Festival). Hall stared as Miss Audrey in the hit sci-fi drama “Snowpiercer” alongside Jennifer Connelly and has been seen on HBO’s “Girls,” Amazon Prime’s “Good Girls Revolt,” and Paramount Plus’ “Evil.” Following Lena’s Tony-winning Broadway run in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Lena toured North America with Josh Groban on his “Stages” tour, and portrayed the dual starring roles of both Hedwig and Yitzhak in Hedwig and the Angry Inch in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Lena originated the role of Nicola in the Kinky Boots on Broadway, she appeared as Sloane in the New York Premiere of Jim Steinman's Bat Out of Hell, starred opposite Marisa Tomei in Lincoln Center Theatre’s “How To Transcend A Happy Marriage,” and most recently played Audrey in the hit Off-Broadway revival of “Little Shop Of Horrors.” 


CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS FOR IN DREAMS

Oct 21, 202323:05
Ep119 - Every Day is October 3rd with NATALIE SHAW (Mean Girls)

Ep119 - Every Day is October 3rd with NATALIE SHAW (Mean Girls)

This is an extra special episode because we're chatting with Natalie Shaw who recently set out on her first National Touring Production playing Cady Heron in Mean Girls: The Musical!

We chat with Natalie all about adjusting to life on the road in a musical theatre production, the audition process for Mean Girls, which character she relates to the most, the time she fell down a 10-ft orchestra pit... And so much more!

Oct 13, 202335:12
Ep118 - Great Scott! It's LIANA HUNT! (Back to the Future The Musical)

Ep118 - Great Scott! It's LIANA HUNT! (Back to the Future The Musical)

Great Scott! We're joined by Back to the Future: The Musical's Liana Hunt, who currently stars in the Broadway production as Lorraine Baines.

Liana chats with us all about playing the iconic role in this epic history changing musical! She also shares her pre-show routine, the fan response to the musical adaptation, what it was like meeting Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson at the Broadway opening and more!

We hop in the DeLorean to travel through Liana's iconic career during a segment we called 'Back to the Future with Liana Hunt' where Liana shares with us memories from working on shows including Newsies, Wicked and Mamma Mia!

Oct 09, 202327:42
Ep117 - SIX, IN DREAMS & The Mirivsh 2023/2024 Season
Oct 06, 202331:26
Ep116 - Haunted Theatres, The Ghost of the 'Pearl Studios Shi*ter' and More!

Ep116 - Haunted Theatres, The Ghost of the 'Pearl Studios Shi*ter' and More!

On this episode, we discuss the stories behind two haunted theatres in North America: The Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto and the Nederlander Theatre in Chicago! We include the stories of our own personal hauntings inside the Royal Alexandra.

We also discuss potential hauntings and tragic events on Broadway based on old tales told on forums. Who knows... Maybe the 'Pearl Studios Shitter' is the real ghost of Broadway?

Oct 04, 202333:35
Ep115 - Look! It’s Glinda! Celebrating 20 Years of Wicked with MCKENZIE KURTZ

Ep115 - Look! It’s Glinda! Celebrating 20 Years of Wicked with MCKENZIE KURTZ

We are beyond thrilled to chat with Glinda Upland herself, Broadway's McKenzie Kurtz, who joined us to discuss the upcoming 20th Anniversary of Wicked!

In this episode, McKenzie shares her story of seeing Wicked on Broadway for the first time, booking the role, which Glinda costume is her favourite, her first flight inside the bubble and more!

McKenzie Kurtz made her Broadway debut as Princess Anna in FROZEN in February of 2020.

Most recently, and prior to her current role in Wicked, she appeared in NBC’s Annie Live! as the Star-to-Be, and as “Heather” in Marvel’s new television series SHE HULK on Disney+. In the fall of 2021, she performed in the out-of-town tryout of TRADING PLACES directed by Kenny Leon.

She graduated from the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance with a BFA in Musical Theatre in 2019.

Sep 08, 202320:36
Ep114 - ONCE MORE, WITH FEELING: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Recap with PROPHECY GIRLS
Sep 04, 202301:57:18
Ep113 - Theatre Hot Takes

Ep113 - Theatre Hot Takes

Welcome to our very first edition of THEATRE HOT TAKES where we anonymously read the Theatre Hot Takes our listeners submitted and discuss the topic with our own opinions!


00:47 - The BOOH LV cast was awesome

01:45 - Stunt casting should be given a chance

06:20 - Next to Normal is better than Dear Evan Hansen

09:07 - I love Hamilton and Wicked dearly, but they’ve had their day. They should close

11:30 - Audiences shouldn’t be allowed to drink alcohol at shows

14:46 - The New York Critics are harsh

17:08 - The West End is better than Broadway

21:16 - Hamilton is extremely overrated and not worth the hype

24:55 - Audience members are so entitled these days with no respect for the cast sometimes

25:20 - Cats is a genuinely good and enjoyable musical, people only bash it because it’s easy!

27:04 - Traditional soprano theatre voices <<<

34:43 - Bigger shows aren’t always the best, smaller shows are sometimes better

36:14 - If you’re going to a show set in high school you can’t really complain about “annoying teen fans”

37:43 - Diana The Musical is actually so good and campy. I think it'll come back like Carrie!

41:36 - Jukebox musicals are very overrated. I miss the old classic shows

45:39 - People can be a little too quick to defend their 'faves' when something is brought up that isn't good

47:35 - People take being a 'theatre fan' too seriously

Aug 24, 202354:49
Ep112 - MR. JOE ICONIS
Aug 02, 202338:26
Ep111 - Sweet MARY PAGE NANCE (A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical)

Ep111 - Sweet MARY PAGE NANCE (A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical)

A few months ago we had the pleasure of seeing A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical and it was SO GOOD, SO GOOD, SO GOOD! What we didn't know while in the audience is that we were witnessing Mary Page Nance's first performance in the role of Marcia Murphey.

Mary Page is a New York City-based Broadway Performer, Event Producer, Director/Choreographer, and Business Owner. During COVID, she opened a paper goods business called a page of mary where she sells her handmade goods that sell out in minutes! She produces, directs and choreographs events with Broadway Talent in the private sector and beyond, and also teaches Broadway Master Classes, and one on one privates.

As a performer, Mary Page was in the original casts of both Finding Neverland and Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 on Broadway, and toured the country with the First National Company of Bright Star. She works frequently developing new musicals in the city, most recently: Black No More written by Black Thought and John Ridley, choreographed by Bill T Jones, and Lempicka, directed by Tony Award Winner Rachel Chavkin.

Mary Page is currently a member of "THE NOISE" in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical!

Jul 08, 202349:26
Ep110 - Sound Design with Ain't No Mo's TAYLOR J. WILLIAMS

Ep110 - Sound Design with Ain't No Mo's TAYLOR J. WILLIAMS

Our 2023 Tony Interview Series continues with the highly talented and kind, Taylor J. Williams, who is nominated for his work on Broadway's Ain't No Mo!

Taylor J. Williams is a musician and sound designer who has been nominated for a Tony Award for his work on Broadway’s Ain’t No Mo’ along with Jonathan Deans. He has worked as an electronic music designer on more than 30 Broadway productions including Moulin Rouge, Beetlejuice, Be More Chill, King Kong, Disney’s Frozen, Falsettos, and The Who’s orchestral tour: The Who Hits Back.

Taylor’s role as Co-Sound Designer for Ain't No Mo was integral in bringing this vision to life, as his perspective as a Black man allowed him to serve on the sound team as a voice and advocate for the Black community. With his input, he was able to ensure that the sound design of the production accurately represented Black culture and history within the play. 

Working alongside three-time Tony Award nominee Jonathan Deans, Taylor’s specific focus for the project was to compose original music, build sound cues to appear between vignettes which were in dialogue with the play, and to speak for Miss Bag, a prop character who embodies the creations of the Black community in the U.S.

Jun 06, 202319:19
Ep109 - Show History: FUNNY GIRL (Ft. Drama Fiends)
May 30, 202349:43
Ep108 - It's All Happening with TOM KITT

Ep108 - It's All Happening with TOM KITT

We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with the incredible Tom Kitt, who is nominated for the 2023 Tony Award for Best Original Score Written for the Theatre for Broadway's Almost Famous!

As huge fans of the show and score, we were thrilled to have an in-depth conversation about Tom's work with the piece.

Tom Kitt is a two-time Tony, two-time Emmy, Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award winner.  As a musical theatre composer, he has written the music for six Broadway shows: Next to Normal (Tony Award), If/Then (Tony Nomination), Flying Over Sunset (Tony Nomination), High Fidelity, Bring it On, The Musical, and Almost Famous. His work for the stage has also been seen Off-Broadway at 2nd Stage (Next to Normal, Superhero), The Public Theater (The Visitor, Shakespeare in the Park) and he has worked at some of the most prestigious regional theatres including The Old Globe, Arena Stage, Berkeley Rep, The Signature Theater, and ART.  In addition, Tom’s Broadway credits as an orchestrator include: Next to Normal (Tony Award), The SpongeBob Musical (Tony Nomination), Jagged Little Pill (Tony Nomination), Almost Famous, Head Over Heels, Everyday Rapture, and American Idiot.

Tom has also been active in the world of film and TV. As one of the vocal arrangers working on the Pitch Perfect films, Tom most notably helped create the classic “Riff-off.”  Tom also served as music supervisor/arranger/orchestrator for Grease Live and contributed songs for Royal Pains and Penny Dreadful.  He also provided music supervision for the NBC series, Rise and has written numerous songs for Sesame Street.  And he is known for his two original opening numbers for The Tony Awards, Live in 2019, written with David Javerbaum for James Corden, and the Emmy Award winning, Bigger in 2013, written with Lin-Manuel Miranda for Neil Patrick Harris.  Tom is also proud that his musical adaptation of Freaky Friday, co-written with Bridget Carpenter and Brian Yorkey was turned into an original movie musical for Disney Channel.  Most recently, Tom served as a Supervising Music Producer on the new Bobby Lopez/Kristen Anderson-Lopez/Steven Levenson/Thomas Kail musical television series, Up Here.

May 23, 202324:09
Ep107 - Pooh Corner with BENJAMIN DURHAM (Winnie the Pooh)

Ep107 - Pooh Corner with BENJAMIN DURHAM (Winnie the Pooh)

We're delighted to be joined by Benjamin Durham who plays the iconic role of Winnie the Pooh in the new musical adaptation now touring around the UK & Ireland!

The show features many of the original songs written by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman, who composed most of the music for the Winnie the Pooh franchise over the years. The puppets were lovingly crafted within the walls of Rockefeller Productions by a talented and dedicated team of artists, designers, patternmakers, builders, welders and fabricators; all influenced by Disney's seminal character designs with nods to E.H.Shephard’s original illustrations.

May 13, 202318:17
Ep106 - Rockstars Are Undeniable with JONATHAN CULLEN (Rock of Ages)

Ep106 - Rockstars Are Undeniable with JONATHAN CULLEN (Rock of Ages)

We're so thrilled to be joined by Jonathan Cullen to discuss playing the role of rockstar Stacee Jaxx in Toronto's Rock of Ages!

Jonathan Cullen has wowed audiences on stages across North America since 2010. Most recently he played a leading role on the 1st National Tour of the Broadway Smash-hit, The Book of Mormon. Jonathan helped Grammy Nominated Steven Page, formerly of Barenaked Ladies, workshop his new musical, Here’s What It Takes. Previously in his career, Jonathan worked with Tony Award Winning Director Stephen Daldry and Tony Award Winning choreographer Peter Darling along with multiple Academy and Grammy Award Winning artist Elton John on their ground-breaking Broadway success, Billy Elliot.

Apr 27, 202321:49
Ep105 - Defying Gravity with EMILY KRISTEN MORRIS (Wicked)
Apr 13, 202326:35
Ep104 - Seize The Day with BRONTÉ BARBÉ & MICHAEL AHOMKA-LINDSAY (Newsies)

Ep104 - Seize The Day with BRONTÉ BARBÉ & MICHAEL AHOMKA-LINDSAY (Newsies)

EXTRA! EXTRA! Calling all Fansies! We've got an exciting interview with Bronté Barbé and Michael Ahomka-Lindsay who play the roles of Katherine Plumber and Jack Kelly in the UK production of Newsies!

Mar 28, 202322:19
Ep103 - Don't Stop Believin' with Rock of Ages Toronto's LOUISE CAMILLERI

Ep103 - Don't Stop Believin' with Rock of Ages Toronto's LOUISE CAMILLERI

We're thrilled to be joined by Louise Camilleri who is currently playing Justice Charlier in the Toronto production of Rock of Ages!

Louise has been an entertainer for over 3 decades with appearances in television, film and commercials. Career highlights feature her in Musical Theatre shows throughout Canada to the Broadway stage. These include performing as a featured dancer in the U.S. national tour of Sophisticated Ladies produced by Mercedes Ellington, the role of Anita in West Side Story, the world premier production of The Lord of the Rings, the role of Tanya in Mamma Mia!, and the world premier production of Show Boat at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway. Film and television highlights include the movies Superstar, Blues Brother’s 2000 and Disney’s Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure. Vocal highlights include performing as a guest soloist with The Tenors, a featured singer with Josh Groban in concert, performing and recording with The Parachute Club, and as lead vocalist with her band Mark Camilleri and The CT Project on their debut album.

Mar 02, 202319:41
Ep102 - WTF is Rent Remixed?

Ep102 - WTF is Rent Remixed?

This is weird. It's weird. Very weird. F**king weird.

When RENT opened in London’s West End in 1998, the poor reviews from the British press would eventually become the least of their issues surrounding a UK-based production of this iconic musical.

In 2007, Jonathan Larson’s work would be flipped into a tragic, reworked West End production named Rent Remixed. Yup, you heard that right. We’re going to dive deep into the history of the first non-replica production of RENT and give detailed accounts of the remixed songs and scenes. We also discuss what we believe the differences are between British Theatre VS American Theatre and why certain shows flop following a transfer to the West End/Broadway.

As a special bonus, we play a game called 'NAME THAT RENT REMIX' where Jocelyn, a massive 'renthead', listens to the remixed clips and tries to guess which song it is.

Feb 22, 202325:46
Ep101 - The Bat is Back with GLENN ADAMSON & KELLIE GNAUCK (Bat Out of Hell The Musical)

Ep101 - The Bat is Back with GLENN ADAMSON & KELLIE GNAUCK (Bat Out of Hell The Musical)

The Bat is back in London! We're thrilled to be joined by returning guests Glenn Adamson (Strat) and Kellie Gnauck (Raven) to chat about their recent journey with the show's Arena tour in Australia and New Zealand, exciting new information about the upcoming London run, overcoming anxiety, what they think Strat and Raven would gift each other for Valentine's Day and more! 

Bat Out of Hell The Musical is a Rocky-Horror, Romeo-and-Juliet celebration of star-crossed lovers from opposite sides of the tracks caught in a city teetering on the brink of disaster. When Raven falls in love with the rebellious Strat, all bets are off in this love-at-all-costs, rock-and-rollercoaster story based on uncompromising youth.

Bat Out of Hell plays a limited season at the Peacock Theatre beginning Feb 17 - April 1, 2023!

Feb 16, 202323:04
Ep100 - Show History: MOULIN ROUGE!

Ep100 - Show History: MOULIN ROUGE!

Rouge, baby! Happy Valentine's Day, chickens! Join us as we break down the history behind the real Moulin Rouge, Baz Luhrmann's iconic film and the process of adapting it for the stage, the 2020 Covid-19 Broadway Shutdown, our favourite songs in the show and more!

Feb 14, 202326:39
Ep99 - & Judith with RACHEL WEBB (&Juliet)

Ep99 - & Judith with RACHEL WEBB (&Juliet)

We're so thrilled to be joined by Rachel Webb to discuss Broadway's & Juliet, the hard work and dedication that goes into being an understudy, which pop/rock artist and Shakespeare play should get the & Juliet jukebox musical treatment and more!

Feb 11, 202335:12
Ep98 - All Things Hercules The MUSE-ical with BRADLEY GIBSON & ISABELLE MCCALLA
Feb 08, 202321:05
Ep97 - The Curtain is Broke

Ep97 - The Curtain is Broke

It's our first messy updates episode of Season 4! Join us as we recap Crissy's birthday, Groundhog Day The Musical ft. the death of Fred la Marmotte, Aaron Tveit's return to Moulin Rouge! on Broadway (our cheeks are ROUGE with adoration, baby!), Sunset Boulevard at the Kennedy Center, the icky Glee Documentary, our upcoming guests in February and more! 

Feb 05, 202328:13
Ep96 - The Museum of Broadway Co-Founder JULIE BOARDMAN

Ep96 - The Museum of Broadway Co-Founder JULIE BOARDMAN

We are so thrilled to have Julie Boardman join us to chat all about the Museum of Broadway!

Julie is an entrepreneur and Tony Award-winning producer. She recently conceived and produced I'm Still Here, a 90th anniversary celebration for the Billy Rose Theatre Division at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, featuring archival materials from the Theatre on Film and Tape archive, interviews with Broadway legends and emerging creatives and reimagined musical numbers with a cast of over 100 artists. In fall 2020 she produced In Our America: A Concert for the Soul of the Nation and Artists for Change. She is currently a co-producer on the Broadway revival of Funny Girl. Other Broadway credits include: An American in Paris (Tony nomination), Carousel (Tony nomination), Company (Tony Award), Dames at Sea, Head Over Heels, Hughie, Indecent (Tony nomination), and The Inheritance (Tony Award). Tours: An American in Paris, Dreamgirls, Peter and the Starcatcher. West End: An American in Paris (Olivier nomination), Academy Award winner Florian Zeller's The Son. Julie is a Tony voter and member of The Broadway League. She is on the Theatre Committee at New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, the Leadership Council for the Costume Industry Coalition, the Creative Advisory Board of Festival Internazionale del Musical Milano, the Musical Theatre Advisory Board for the University of Southern California, the Advisory Board for the Musical Theatre Conservatory at Orange Country School of the Arts, and an arts advocacy coalition of arts leaders in NYC.

Through her company Boardman Productions she has has worked with some of the worlds leading brands including Nike, Maybelline, Evian, Vogue, Victoria’s Secret, Microsoft, Diet Coke, VitaminWater, Samsung, Game of Thrones, Disney’s The Lion King and many more on their activations and fan experiences. With over 14 years working in experiential and promotional marketing, she is thrilled to combine all of her talents to create The Museum of Broadway.

themuseumofbroadway.com

Feb 01, 202331:11
Ep95 - How Glee Shaped a New Generation of Theatre Kids

Ep95 - How Glee Shaped a New Generation of Theatre Kids

In the early years of the 2000s, we began to see a rise in the modern movie musicals with film adaptations of Dreamgirls, Hairspray, RENT, The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Mamma Mia and more. It was the era of Myspace, fansites and forums. The trilogy release of Disney’s High School Musical, would only mark the beginning of what would spiral into 'theatre fandemonium', with musical theatre making its way to the forefront of mainstream media outlets and finally gaining in popularity.

It took the following year after the final High School Musical film to set the world ablaze with covers of show tunes populating on YouTube and climbing the iTunes charts weekly. Soon enough, not only did the entire world know what it meant to be a ‘theatre geek’, they celebrated and dubbed themselves as a new word that would sweep social media in the years to follow - ‘gleeks.

So, where exactly did the term ‘gleek’ come from? Well, if you clicked on the episode or you consider yourself a “Gleek’, then you already know it stems from the hit Fox TV Series Glee.

Join Cris and Joce as they recount the early days of the Glee Phenomenon, the impact the series and songs had on the theatre community, The Glee Project competition, the ultimate decline in viewer numbers and more!

Jan 23, 202349:16
Breaking the Curtain: TRAILER

Breaking the Curtain: TRAILER

Two stagey best friends interview their idols and break down the history behind your favourite musicals from popular shows like RENT and Beetlejuice to iconic flops like Carrie and Bonnie & Clyde - we cover them all!

And if you like what you hear, consider giving our show the ol’ razzle dazzle by leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcast!

Jan 01, 202300:54
Ep94 - ROB COLLETTI: The Legendary Lester Bangs (Almost Famous)

Ep94 - ROB COLLETTI: The Legendary Lester Bangs (Almost Famous)

In this very special BONUS episode of Breaking the Curtain, we're joined by the phenomenal Rob Colletti who stars as Lester Bangs in Almost Famous on Broadway!

We chat with Rob all about the genius that is Cameron Crowe, the wonderful support from the fans, the real Lester Bangs and the current state of Broadway in the era of Covid.

Almost Famous runs on Broadway until January 8th, 2023. You do not want to miss this special show!

Dec 31, 202229:44
Ep93 - A Journey Through New York City

Ep93 - A Journey Through New York City

SURPRISE! Last week, we took a trip to New York City to spend time under the bright lights of Broadway in preparation for our upcoming season to bring you even more exciting content! On this final episode of Season 3, we chat all about seeing Wicked, Almost Famous, Moulin Rouge and MJ. We also tell you all about our experience at the Museum of Broadway, visiting 508 and Rise NY!

Dec 12, 202201:03:59
Ep92 - Sondheim & Me: A Conversation with PAUL SALSINI
Dec 06, 202229:15